Intel Core i7-8700 vs Intel Core i3-10100

The Intel Core i7-8700 (Coffee Lake S) was introduced as part of the eighth generation of Intel processors and was aimed at users who required high computing power for demanding applications and multitasking.

It is manufactured using the 14 nm process and features 6 cores and 12 threads, equipped with 12 MB of Level-3 cache. The processor supports PCIe Version 3.0 and achieves a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel UHD Graphics 630. The Intel Core i3-10100 (Comet Lake S) belongs to the tenth generation and was designed for budget-conscious users and systems with basic to medium requirements.

It is also manufactured using the 14 nm process but offers 4 cores and 8 threads, as well as a Level-3 cache of 6 MB. This processor also supports PCIe Version 3.0 and a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s. The integrated graphics unit is also the Intel UHD Graphics 630. In terms of computing performance, the Intel Core i7-8700 shows significantly higher multi-core performance, which makes it advantageous for applications that can utilize many cores, such as video editing or complex multitasking.

The single-core performance of both processors is comparable, with the Intel Core i7-8700 showing slight advantages in some scenarios, but these rarely exceed the 10 percent mark. The Intel Core i3-10100 offers solid single-core performance for everyday tasks and many single applications.

In the gaming sector, the Intel Core i7-8700 benefits from its additional cores and threads, as well as its superior overall performance, especially in newer games that can benefit from more cores. The slightly higher clock rate and larger cache also contribute to a better gaming experience. Although the Intel Core i3-10100 is sufficient for many games and has comparable single-core performance, the Intel Core i7-8700 can deliver a more stable and higher frame rate in demanding titles or when streaming simultaneously.

Due to its higher core count and performance, the Intel Core i7-8700 typically has a higher Thermal Design Power (TDP) and thus higher power consumption under load than the Intel Core i3-10100. This means that a more robust cooling solution may be required for the Intel Core i7-8700.

The Intel Core i3-10100 operates more energy-efficiently, making it suitable for systems with lower power consumption or smaller cases. At the time of their respective market introductions, the Intel Core i7-8700 was a premium processor with a correspondingly higher price, offering excellent performance for its time.

The Intel Core i3-10100, on the other hand, targeted the budget segment and offered very good performance per Euro for everyday tasks. On the current used market, both processors can be available at attractive prices, with the Intel Core i7-8700 often still offering a price advantage for its stronger multi-core performance.

The Intel Core i7-8700 is characterized by its strong multi-core performance, which makes it ideal for demanding applications and professional workloads. It also offers good performance for gaming. The Intel Core i3-10100 scores with efficient performance for everyday tasks and solid single-core performance, making it a good choice for office PCs or light gaming setups on a tight budget.

Those who prioritize multitasking and compute-intensive tasks should consider the Intel Core i7-8700, while the Intel Core i3-10100 is a better option for general use and efficiency.